2009 BMW M3: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 BMW M3: 5 recalls, 45 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #08V595000 · 2008 · 2,500 vehicles
What's wrong: The problem involves the double clutch gearbox. In a situation of rapid vehicle deceleration, the transmission software May perform a multistage downshift.
Why it matters: In that situation, at low vehicle speeds, it is possible for the engine to stall increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the engine and transmission electronic control unit with updated software free of charge. The recall began on December 3, 2008.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V071000 · 2016 · 840,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to rupture.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018.
Electrical Vehicle recall #17V676000 · 2017 · 702,965 vehicles
What's wrong: The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system May overheat.
Why it matters: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available.
Electrical, Electrical Vehicle recall #19V472000 · 2019 · 16,641 vehicles
What's wrong: The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal May degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Why it matters: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019.
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V017000 · 2020 · 59,965 vehicles
What's wrong: These inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On x5 and x6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (24): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (18), stalls / loses power (5).
- Airbags (8): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (6): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), stalls / loses power (2).
- Engine (4): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), noise or vibration (2).
The 2009 BMW M3 has 45 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 33 M3 model years for complaints (3.4× the average M3 year). Complaints peaked in 2009 (23 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 0 years old, at a median of 4,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (82 complaints, 5 recalls), 2010 (15 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Premium |
| 4.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 BMW M3.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 BMW M3 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2009 BMW M3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2009 BMW M3 problems?
Owners have filed 45 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (24), airbags (8), electrical (6).
What gas mileage does the 2009 BMW M3 get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 BMW M3 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.